HISTORY EDUCATION

Wilmington Historical Society

Do you ever look at an old building or street name and wonder why it’s there? Well, the Wilmington Historical Society is dusting off memorabilia and valuable pieces of information to give current residents a peek back at historical Wilmington.

The Society, which is located at the historic Wilmington Library at 309 West Opp Street, is working towards creating a space where people can learn about Wilmington’s past through articles and pictures. The Society believes that it is important for Wilmington’s history to be known and understood.

The Society has also participated in events where people can learn about Wilmington. As seen in the Donna Littlejohn Daily Breeze article, “Taking Wilmington’s History on the Road”, artifacts and rare photos, including some that had never been on display before, were part of the Wilmington Historical Roadshow. To read more about the event and how The Historical Society was able to teach people about Wilmington’s past, visit: www.dailybreeze.com/2018/06/01/ taking-wilmingtons-history-on-the-road.

The Historical Society’s group currently consists of President Simie Seaman, Treasurer/Secretary Laura Mohberg, Board Member Dave Hall, Volunteer Maria Enriquez, Historian Olivia Cueva Fernandez, Website Designer Lupe Pena, Advisors Tara Fansler, Russell Mohberg, Monique Sugimoto, Brando Werts, Mona Reddick, Melissa Ignacio and Publicist Jacqueline Resendiz M.

Are you interested in learning more about how Wilmington used to look, what people were interested in the past or help out? You can contact the Wilmington Historical Society by emailing them at Wilmingtonhistory@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook at @whsofca.

If you were to explore the educational opportunities available in Wilmington, you would probably be surprised by what you discovered, and not just because of the institutions. Wilmington offers an array of options, from preschool to adult learning and specialized certification programs. What isn’t immediately apparent is the level of dedication and passion for education offered at each one of these institutions.

Wilmington is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The District is made of a total of eight local districts, with Wilmington representing the Eighth District. The public school system in Wilmington comprises the following institutions: Broad Avenue Elementary, Fries Avenue Elementary, Gulf Avenue Elementary, Hawaiian Avenue Elementary, Wilmington Park Elementary, George De LaTorre Jr. Elementary and, the newest edition, Harry Bridges Span School.

Beyond elementary, Wilmington offers its very own Wilmington Middle School and Banning High School. Banning High School is unique, because within its facility you will find the EXP. The academy offers students a variety of specialized learning in a smaller classroom setting, with current active professionals involved in their learning. Also available on the Banning High campus is the Banning Adult School for those needing to complete high school credits, wanting to learn English and so much more.

If teaching is your passion, consider attending Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy at Harbor College. Students are offered the unique opportunity to complete high school with a focus on becoming teachers and earn college credits toward their teaching degree. These students commit to teaching in local schools upon earning their teaching credentials.

Along with our the public schools, Wilmington also offers three excellent private schools from which to choose; Harbor Christian School, St. Peter and Paul School and Wilmington Christian School. All of these institutions offer a range of quality educational opportunities, from preschool through twelfth grade.

Maybe you would be interested in the Los Angeles Harbor College, which is a comprehensive institution of higher education with a broad spectrum of transfer, vocational, and community services programs.

Elementary Schools

Broad Ave. Elementary

24815 Broad Ave., Wilmington 310-835-3118

Fries Ave. Elementary 1301 N. Fries Ave., Wilmington 310-834-6431

Gulf Ave. Elementary 828 W. L Street, Wilmington 310-835-3157

Harry Bridges Span School 1235 Broad Ave, Wilmington 310-522-5400

Hawaiian Ave. Elementary 540 Hawaiian Ave., Wilmington 310-830-1151

George De La Torre, Jr. Elementary 500 N. Island Ave., Wilmington 310-847-1400

Wilmington Park Elementary 1140 Mahar Ave., Wilmington 310-518-7460

Private Schools

Pacific Harbor Christian

K-12th Grade – Christian 1530 N. Wilmington Blvd., Wilmington www.pacificharborschool.org

310-835-5665

St. Peter and Paul Elementary School

K- 8th Grade – Catholic 706 Bayview Ave., Wilmington 310-834-5574

Wilmington Christian School

K- 6th Grade – Christian 24910 S. Avalon Blvd., Wilmington 310-834-1448

Community Colleges

Los Angeles Harbor College 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington 310-233-4000 www.lahc.edu

Degrees offered: A.A., A.S., certificates; program length: 2 years